Custom Song Writing

I
am a long time Tofino resident with a background in songwriting,
record producing, live music, radio broadcasting and journalism.

I
offer custom song writing and recording services for individuals,
events and businesses. Recorded using a high quality home studio

How
does it work?

The
client sends me appropriate information on the subject of the song
via email. The client may include other information to direct the
song including genre, songs or artists to use for inspiration.

I
will then produce a rough version of a song based on this information
and send a low quality audio demo and a copy of the lyrics to the client.

The
client then approves the rough of the song or provides direction for
rewrites

Once
the rough is approved a CD quality recording will be prepared, mixed
and mastered and a watermarked sample of the high quality song will
be sent to the client in mp3 form via email

Upon
receipt of payment via check or email transfer the client will then
receive the full mp3 version of their song via email as well as a
DropBox link where they can download a CD quality .wav file.

The
client may also request the Pro-Tools “working files” if they
like and a text file with lyrics and basic chord charts for people to
learn to play them if they wish

While
I will retain songwriter's rights for the song the client will have
the right to use it and distribute it as they see fit for any
non-commercial purpose. Licensing for commercial use carries
additional costs. Exactly like a CD you buy in the store or an mp3 from iTunes, etc.

Will
my private love song be played somewhere I don't want it to be?

No. I will not play your song for
the general public or use it as an audio sample without your express
permission. I may play it for my wife or other musicians in order to
get feedback and improve the final product. Your song's lyrics will never be reused in a recognisable fashion but musical components like melodies and chord progressions may end up in other compositions.

What
can I expect my song to sound like?

Basic
songs will be a simple guitar and voice arrangement (acoustic or
electric depending on the genre) with a few additional guitar parts
(bass, solos, etc.) and perhaps some harmony vocals if appropriate. They may include a drum track. The song will be in a male voice unless a female voice is requested
(which will carry an additional charge). These songs will more likely
to have a simple structure as well; country, folk, blues and the
like. Think Neil Young, CCR, campfire guitar songs

More
complex arrangements will likely contain multiple guitar parts,
possibly keyboards, accordion, mandolin, digital drums, extensive
harmony vocals, possibly female vocals when available/ appropriate.
The structure of these songs may be more complicated as well; jazz,
more elaborate rock and roll, reggae, funk, modern pop... That sort of thing

I'm
not much good at hip-hip

Other specialized instruments or features may be available by request but
may carry and additional cost to compensate the artist Geoff will
need to hire. Examples include; female vocals, complex piano, horns,
violin, etc.

What
Does It Cost?

While things get up and running I have some "introductory prices" in Canadian dollars:Basic
songs start at $200 and will likely take about 3 days to complete

More
complex songs start at $300 and will likely take closer to a week

These
times are based on ideal conditions, and no need for the extra
musicians as mentioned above. Lots of notice and a firm deadline are the
best way to ensure success.

You
pay nothing until you approve the "watermarked" sample of the final project
and agree to the cost, once that money has been received you get the
song as outlined above.

I know it sounds cheesy but these are definitely “limited time only”
prices that are less than I would charge simply to rent my studio for
the time these projects take and will change.

Can
I hear a sample?

Here is a sample song written for a couple's anniversary. Turn around time for this song from initial contact to delivery to client was approximately 2 hours. Lyrical content references inside jokes, first dates, careers, the proposal, wedding and children as outlined by the client. Untidy timing and vocal melodies are intentional to recognize the client's fondness for Bob Dylan and other classic artists who recorded "live off the floor".

Here's a commercial album I engineered and produced using the same equipment and software that will be used for your song:&lt;a href="http://store.mojave.fm/album/rainy-ghost-2"&gt;Rainy Ghost by Mojave&lt;/a&gt;

More samples are being organized right now and will hopefully be available online soon.

Ballistic Pig is an entertainment nexus!Between a high energy female fronted rock band, a jazz & soul trio, a solo acoustic rock, jazz & blues set, orignal music and a one man Led Zeppelin tribute we've got every angle covered.Based in Tofino and Ucluelet we are experienced, professional musicians your guests and staff will love. Available for your party, wedding, bar, restaurant or other event.Other music and audio related services available.Check the links above for more information or call (250) 266 2400 or email ballisticpig@gmail.com